Chicken Alfredo Mac & Cheese
Cavatappi in a creamy three-cheese Alfredo sauce with Cajun-seasoned chicken, finished with reserved pasta water and parsley.
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- Chicken
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, pounded to even thicken
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp oil
- Sauce
- 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 3/4 cup unsweetened heavy whipping cream
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 1 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated gruyere cheese
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 9 oz cavatappi pasta, boiled according to packet instructions
- 1 tbsp parsley (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1Chicken
- 2Season the chicken — Season chicken with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning.
- 3Cook the chicken — Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken 4-6 min per side, until golden and cooked through.
- 4Rest and slice — Rest 5 min, then slice.
- 5Sauce
- 6Boil the pasta — Boil pasta in generously salted water until just al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- 7Build the sauce — Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 30 sec. Whisk in flour and cook 1 min. Slowly whisk in milk, then heavy cream. Add garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, nutmeg, chili flakes, and salt. Cook 3-5 min, whisking occasionally, until slightly thickened. Do not boil.
- 8Melt the cheese — Reduce heat to low. Gradually add cheddar and Gruyère, stirring until melted and smooth. Add Parmesan and stir until creamy. Adjust salt if needed.
- 9Coat the pasta — Add pasta and toss to coat. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed for a smooth, creamy, glossy sauce you may not need all of it.
- 10Finish the dish — Add most of the chicken and mix through, reserving some for the top. Garnish with remaining chicken and parsley. Serve immediately!
- Servings not found in the source — set to 4.